Loft Conversion Guide This is a small guide on whether planning permission or any building regulations you need adhere to before you think about your loft conversion project.
Do i need planning permission? Many loft conversions can be constructed without any necessary planning permission, however you must still keep to the UK Building regulations as you go.
Check First First step would be is to contact our team or an architect to confirm that either you need planning permission or not.
Simple Guide This is a quick guide and checklist to help you make that decision, if your conversion does not break any of these rules, you should be fine.
Extension does not exceed or go higher than the maximum height of your existing roof
You will not be building balconies, verandas or raised platforms within your project
Windows that are side-facing should be patterned or frosted to stop people looking in.
Roof extensions, except hip-to-gable, are set back as far as possible (practically) at a minimum of 20cm from the original eaves.
The new build materials that will be used in the construction are in appearances, similar to the existing property materials.
Windows that are side-facing need to be 1.7m above ground level, or more.
Your house or property is not situated on a world heritage site, area of national beauty, the broads, national park, or any other designated land.
Any roofing enlargement will not overhang the outer face wall of the original property.
Extension does not overreach beyond the outermost part of the existing roof at the front of the property.
The additional space area does not exceed 40 cubic metres for a terrace house, 50 cubic metres for a detached or semi-detached house. This includes the new space that you have created in your loft and any previous added space, example such as an extension.
Still not sure if you need planning permission? then please take expert advice first, from us or your architect. This will give you the peace of mind and professional conformation.
Building Regulations to take into account for Loft conversions UK building regulations are set in place to guarantee that all structural work is completed correctly and safely. Also fire regulations and sound insulations are set in place between the loft conversion and the existing rooms below.
Regulations will apply and be conversion specific to the type that you are having constructed.
Here is a quick start guide on some main pointers of the building regulations and some good points to think about.
Any new stairs will need to provide an escape route incase of a fire. Ordinary stand up ladders or the retractable types will not suffice.
Sound Insulation needs to be addressed. Noise between rooms has to have sufficient insulating qualities.
All new walls need to support any existing or new roofs where the existing supports have been taken away.
All new doors need to be fire resistant to make the new room fire-safe.
Smoke alarms have to be powered by mains electricity
New floor joists need to be added to the structure, to strengthen and support the new room.
This is just an overview and be no means a comprehensive list. There are many more things to take into account when planning a loft conversion, that is why we always advise to get a builder or architect involved prior to starting any conversion work.
Click on the link below to go to our helpful links page and pdf files for some helpful links and insights into the world of conversions and loft conversion rules and regulations.
Click Here for some Helpful Government Building Regulations Links
Building Regulations Updates
Revised regulations for building came into effect on June 15th, 2022. These regulations incorporated a provision for enhanced insulation in loft conversions. Consequently, in the majority of situations, the thickness of insulation below the rafters has been increased. As a result, the minimum height requirement to the tallest point of the existing roof should be 2.4m.
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